Healthy Side Dish with Lentils, Cauliflower, Spinach, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

This healthy side dish with lentils, cauliflower, fresh thyme and balsamic vinaigrette can serve double-duty as a meat-free meal too!

I’m always looking for ways to pump up the protein in my meals, especially if the meal is meat-free. This healthy side dish is a terrific example of my protein packing quest since lentils contain 18 grams of protein per cup, not to mention 16 grams of fiber. Mind Body Green shares the top 7 reasons (fiber and protein are in the list) you should add lentils to your diet, and since they’re completely affordable and quick cooking, why not?

As I said, lentils are affordable and quick cooking and so are the bits of cauliflower and kale. I purchased pre-chopped cauliflower for $1.99 a bag – a terrific deal, right? Why chop cauliflower if I don’t have too!

I keep fresh thyme on hand purchased in those small containers at the grocery store and put the bunch in a wrap of paper towel and zip lock bag. It lasts for at least a week that way, and adds lift to lentils which can be a bit heavy tasting.

A quick balsamic vinaigrette keeps my healthy side dish from drying out with all those beans and veggies and adds extra flavor needed to turn this side dish into a meat-free meal for my vegetarian friends.

With holiday gatherings going on all over the place, if you’re hosting, this side dish recipe gives non-meat eaters a hearty option for their plates too. We served it with roasted chicken, making this a protein-packed dinner that kept me from wanting to snack as the evening rolled on.

Before I leave you this lovely Monday morning, don’t forget to sign up for our RC Garcia Sweet Potato Cracker giveaway! We pick a winner Thursday and these crackers are very tasty and perfect for a New Year’s Eve gathering, so don’t wait!

Happy holidays! ~Kristi

Serves 6

Hearty and Healthy Lentil and Cauliflower Side Dish with Thyme and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Hearty and Healthy Lentil and Cauliflower Side Dish with Thyme and Balsamic Vinaigrette